Slovakia is the capital of which country. The most famous cities of Slovakia and its other attractions. Slovakia: reviews from tourists. Customs and orders

Slovakia is one of the youngest countries in Europe. The capital, Bratislava, is a small and attractive city with an intense cultural life; The High Tatras here are like any other mountains in Eastern Europe, and peasant traditions are still strong in the villages of Slovakia. Slovakia is home to unusually clean air and healing springs, ice caves, comfortable hotels and cozy boarding houses, unique cultural and historical monuments, interesting fortresses, castles, manors, unique architecture, as well as folk art and folklore. Slovaks are very friendly and warm towards visitors, and they are always ready to help you get to know their country better.

Geography

Slovakia is a state in Central Europe within the Western Carpathians. It borders on Poland in the north, Ukraine in the east, Hungary in the south, and Austria and the Czech Republic in the west. It is a predominantly mountainous landlocked country. The territory of Slovakia is 49,035 km². The highest mountainous part of the Carpathians is the High Tatras, which are popular ski areas, with many picturesque lakes and valleys, and also the highest point in Slovakia and all the Carpathians, Gerlachovský Štit, with an altitude of 2655 m.

The lowlands are located in the southwestern (along the Danube) and southeastern parts of Slovakia. The main rivers of Slovakia, in addition to the Danube, are also the Váh and the Hron. Closer to the Danube in the region of Bratislava and Komárno is the Central Danube Lowland - the breadbasket of Slovakia.

Time

The time difference with Moscow is minus 2 hours.

Climate

Slovakia is located in a temperate zone with a continental climate and a pronounced alternation of four seasons. It is warmest in the Danube Lowland, which is located east of Bratislava. In July and August, daytime temperatures here reach +27 degrees, and at night the temperature is about 15 degrees. In winter, light frosts occur at night - up to -4 degrees, and during the day the temperature is above 0 (+2..+4 degrees). Average temperatures in January on the plains are from -1 C to -4 C, in July - from +19 C to +21 C. Precipitation on the plains ranges from 450 to 700 mm. per year (mainly in winter and off-season). At altitude in the mountains during the ski season, the air temperature during the day can be from -6 to -4 degrees, but at night it drops to -10 degrees. The highest amount of precipitation is also observed here - 1600-2100 mm per year with a maximum in the summer (about 200 mm per month), and snow cover persists for up to 4-5 months.

Language

The official state language is Slovak, which belongs to the group of Slavic languages, somewhat similar to Russian. Czech, Hungarian, German, English and, in their places of residence, the languages ​​of ethnic groups are widely spoken. In tourist areas - English and German.

Religion

In general, Slovakia is a fairly religious country, especially compared to the neighboring Czech Republic. The Slovak constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of the population of Slovakia is Catholic - 60%, and only 0.7% are Orthodox, the rest are small communities of other faiths. There is also a Jewish religious community. A total of 13 churches and religious societies, 28 women's and men's orders are registered. Moreover, about 10% of the population consider themselves atheists.

Population

The population of Slovakia is about 5.4 million people. The average population density is 110 people. per 1 sq. km. Urban population 57%, rural 43%. The majority of residents of Slovakia are ethnic Slovaks (86%). Hungarians are the largest minority (10%), living mainly in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Other ethnic groups include Roma, Czechs, Rusyns, Ukrainians, Germans and Poles.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V, current frequency 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets of Russian and European standard.

Emergency numbers

Emergency and ambulance system on roads - 154

Fire service - 150

Ambulance - 155

Information and inquiries - 120 (0120)

Telegrams by phone - 127(0127)

Information about international telephone numbers - 0149

Information about fax numbers - 252083

International telegraph, telephone conversations, faxes - 01325

Bratislava Information Center - 277-21-95

Connection

Telephone. The international dialing code of Slovakia is + 421. Telephone city codes: Banska Bystrica - 88, Bratislava - 7, Kosice - 95, Levoca - 966, Martin - 842, Nitra - 87, Poprad - 92, Trencin - 831. Pay phones operate on telephone cards (sold at newsstands and post offices, 150 and 200 Sk) and coins (starting from 1 Sk). You can call abroad from a payphone, as well as from a call center (the tariff is 10-15% more expensive) or a hotel (about 30% more expensive). To access international communication, you need to dial 00 - country code - city code - number of the called subscriber. To call to the country you need to dial 8 - dial tone - 10 - 421 - city code - number of the called subscriber.

There are two largest GSM 900/1800 operators in the country - Orange Slovensko (formerly globtel) and eurotel. The network is deployed throughout the country. Communication problems may occur in the mountains.

Of the Russian cellular operators, MTS and Beeline work without problems. However, to call Russia, it is more profitable to purchase a contract with EuroTel.

Internet access can be obtained at Internet cafes located in major cities. There are Wi-Fi access points in Bratislava and some other large cities.

Currency exchange

On the territory of Slovakia the Slovak koruna (Sk) is valid.1Sk = 100 hellers (h). Banknotes in denominations of 5000, 1000, 500, 200,100, 50,20 Sk. Coins in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1Sk; 50, 20 and 10 hellers. Since January 1, 2009, the official currency of Slovakia is the euro. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

You can exchange currency in Slovakia in banks, specialized exchange offices, hotels, and post offices. The most favorable exchange rate at exchange offices. There is a fee associated with the exchange, which can vary greatly depending on the location of the exchange. Reverse exchange of kroons into foreign currency is possible only in large banks if you have a passport and a receipt for the initial exchange of foreign currency into kroons.

EuroCard and MasterCard credit cards are accepted in almost all banks, as well as VISA, American Express and Eurocheque. They are accepted in most large hotels, gas stations, and less commonly in restaurants and stores. ATMs are becoming increasingly common in Slovakia, although it’s best not to count on them outside of major cities. Slovak ATMs are usually connected to the international payment systems MasterCard, VISA, Plus, Maestro, Cirrus.

Visa

Citizens of Russia and the CIS require a visa to visit Slovakia. To enter Slovakia, Russian citizens must have a valid international passport, the validity of which should not be less than 3 months from the date of expected expiration of the visa to stay in Slovakia, and a Slovak visa.

Slovakia is a member of the Schengen agreement. Schengen visas are issued by the consular department of the Slovak Embassy and the Consulate General of Slovakia in the Russian Federation.

If a child under 18 years of age travels not with two, but with one of the parents, other relatives or accompanying persons, a notarized permission from the remaining parent (parents) for the child to travel abroad is required, in Russian.

Types of visas:

Short-term Schengen visa category "C"

Issued to persons whose purpose of stay is tourism, transit, business visit, visiting friends or relatives living in the territory of the Slovak Republic.

Issued to persons who are permitted long-term stay (over 3 months) in the territory of Slovakia for the purpose of work, study, temporary residence, etc.

Customs regulations

European Union customs regulations apply in Slovakia.

The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds 150 thousand crowns or its equivalent in currency). When exporting currency, you must provide a document of its origin. To enter Slovakia, you must have with you the amount of currency established by the legislation of the country (at least 50 US dollars for each day of stay) or the obligation of the inviting party to pay all expenses associated with the stay in the Slovak Republic.

The import of cigarettes is allowed - 200 pcs., strong alcoholic drinks - 1 liter, wine - 2 liters. Import and export of local currency is not permitted. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. Duty-free import of cigarettes is allowed - 200 pcs., strong alcoholic drinks - 1 liter, wine - 2 liters, personal items worth no more than 30,000 crowns (approximately 1 thousand US dollars).

The import and export of weapons, explosives, pornographic products, narcotic substances, as well as cultural and historical values ​​that do not have documentary evidence of the legality of their acquisition are prohibited. Personal jewelry made of precious metals is not subject to duty, but if their quantity is recognized by customs authorities as “commercial”, they are subject to a tax of 7% of the value and are subject to certification.

Motor vehicles imported into the territory of Slovakia must be declared at customs when crossing the Slovak border as used in the territory of Slovakia. At the border, transit numbers are issued and the period during which the car must be registered at the relevant branch of the Slovak Customs Administration is determined (usually 3 days). The Customs Department determines the amount of the customs deposit for the car (about 49% of the cost), which is repaid within 12-36 months at 3% per month, after which the car is considered customs cleared and can be exported outside of Slovakia. Personal jewelry made from precious metals is not subject to duty.

Since May 1, 2009, it is prohibited to import products containing meat or milk into the territory of the European Union, including sausage, canned food, lard and even chocolates. The ban does not apply to baby food and special medications needed for people with certain chronic diseases (in this case, the products must be carefully packaged and their weight should not exceed 2 kilograms). If meat and dairy products are found, they will be confiscated and the passenger will have to pay a fine.

There are age restrictions for importing goods: tobacco - over 16 years, alcohol - over 18 years.

Medicines are carried in quantities necessary for their own use.

Holidays and non-working days

January 6 - Revelation of the Lord / Epiphany (Day of the Three Magi Kings) and Orthodox Holy Supper

Public holidays are non-working days and almost all shops and establishments are closed.

Transport

The size of the country is very small, so most of the passenger transportation is carried out by trains and road transport.

The main type of urban transport is trams; buses and trolleybuses are also common. Tickets can be purchased from orange machines located at bus stops.

All taxis in Bratislava have meters. The trip to the airport costs about $6. One kilometer ride by taxi costs 20-30 CZK.

Traveling by car around the country is not a cheap pleasure due to the high cost of fuel: one liter of gasoline in Slovakia costs about $1. Renting a car in Slovakia is easy. However, this service is offered only by local companies. Well-known international companies such as Avis or Buget do not operate in Slovakia. They usually offer Skoda Felicia or Skoda Octavia at the rate of $35 per day. Cash is accepted for payment, but a credit card must be left as a deposit.

The length of railways in Slovakia is 3662 km. The train is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel around the country. There are two types of trains: fast and slower (they stop at almost every stop). Tickets are sold at the box office, as well as on the train from the conductor, which is somewhat more expensive. The ticket price also depends on the distance and class of carriage (general and first). You will not be allowed into a 1st class carriage with a ticket to the general carriage, even if in general there is nowhere for an apple to fall, and the 1st class carriage is half empty. Sleeping cars are only available on long-distance overnight trains used on international routes. The rest of the trains have seats, since the distances in Europe are short.

Aeroflot - Russian Airlines operates regular flights to Slovakia on the Moscow-Bratislava route.

ČSA airlines fly between Moscow and Bratislava twice a week.

Buses run from the airport and to the airport from the ČSA office three or four times a day (fare $0.2). You can also get there by city bus No. 24. In the city he stops at the railway station.

Bus services are well developed, but it is worth considering that buses in Slovakia are a more expensive form of transport than trains. On weekends, the discount on the bus is greater than on the train. There are three types of buses: express (used for long distances), local city. Some local routes are congested, so it's best to arrive early and grab a seat to avoid standing all the way.

Tips

In a restaurant, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10%. When you pay your bill, tell the waiter exactly how much you are paying including tip.

The shops

Bratislava has everything a European capital should have, and prices are much lower than in Moscow.

The food market in Bratislava is located on the corner of Hviezdoslavovo nbmestiie and Rybbrska brbna. It is open daily from 9.00 to 22.00 hours. Here you can even try dishes from a dozen cuisines while standing, or sit down at a table and order spaghetti or pizza in a nearby restaurant.

Most stores are open every day, except Sunday, from 9:00 to 18:00 (large department stores and shopping centers are usually open until 19:00-21:00 on Thursday). Grocery stores are usually open from 7:00-9:00 to 18:00-19:00 (often with an hour-long lunch break). On Saturday, most shops are open from 8:00 to 12:00.

Between 20:00 and 5:00, food can be purchased in stores marked “vecierka”.

Smaller shops usually close at lunchtime. In many stores you can only pay with a credit card for purchases over 1 thousand CZK.

National cuisine

Slovak cuisine is varied, tasty, filling and very intricate. It has absorbed all the best traditions of Slavic cuisine, as well as the culinary traditions of its closest neighbors. When preparing dishes, absolutely the entire range of products is used - meat, vegetables, fish, cereals, but dairy products still occupy a special place. Dishes can be fried, stewed, or boiled. You should definitely try such dishes as dumplings with cheese, potatoes and cracklings, pork with potato salad, smoked ham, brawn, fried cheese, smoked sheep cheese, roast goose, duck with sauerkraut. Slovak spirits are also very diverse - wine, beer, plum and juniper vodka.

The hallmark of the local cuisine are vegetable soups, broths and various complex soups made from meat and vegetables, as well as poultry dishes - a kind of goulash with champignons and potato pancakes - "Spišská pohutka", roast goose with dumplings, duck with sauerkraut, stewed in chicken or baked turkey, stuffed chicken with paprika, etc.

Fish plays an important role on the Slovak table. The abundance of mountain rivers and clean lakes makes it possible to breed one of the most valuable freshwater fish species in the country - trout. And of course cheeses, which even have a special holiday in Slovakia. The Cheese Festival is celebrated annually in May in the town of Lipovsky Mikulas. The central active “piece” of the festival is feta cheese - sheep cheese, which is known for its quality throughout Europe.

Beer in Slovakia is appreciated by everyone who comes here on vacation. While not having such wide fame as beer from the neighboring Czech Republic, the Slovak intoxicated drink is not inferior in quality one iota. The traditions of brewing in Slovakia are almost as old as the first Slovak cities. In the 10th century, a special decree was even issued allowing Slovaks to brew beer in private farmsteads. Nowadays, the best varieties of beer in Slovakia are considered Topvar (factory in the city of Topolčany) and “Šarish” (factory in the city of Velký Šariš).

Slovak wine is good and cheap. The best varieties, quite competitive on the international market, are “Vlašskiy Riesling”, “Green Velteliner” and “Račenska Frankovka”. Slovakia also produces several excellent varieties of sparkling wine.

Attractions

Slovakia, despite its modest size, can boast an abundance of natural beauty and wonderful opportunities for active recreation. The mountain systems of the Lesser and White Carpathians, Tatras, Lesser Fatra, Ore Mountains and Javornik, known throughout Europe, are complemented here by an abundance of karst areas, caves, hot springs and vast forest areas, and the ancient cities of the country are of undoubted interest for history buffs. The country's tourism opportunities are very large and have not yet been sufficiently appreciated - in winter it is one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Europe, in summer it is a beautiful historical area, which also has all the opportunities for active recreation, and more than 1,400 mineral springs in the country allow for therapeutic procedures in any time of the year.

Slovakia has many natural attractions: ice caves; more than 1300 mineral and thermal springs, geysers, the high Tatra mountain range. The mountains, forests and lakes enchant with their beauty and are ideal for relaxation and summer and winter sports. Europe's longest cycling route passes through this country. There are popular winter sports centers in the mountainous regions, of which the Tatras are the best.

There are 5 national parks and 16 protected natural areas in Slovakia. These places are practically untouched by humans. The Low Tatras National Park covers the second and highest mountain range of the Western Carpathians. There are several ski resorts within the boundaries of the national park.

Bratislava- one of the most historically interesting cities in Eastern Europe. Located in the picturesque spurs of the Carpathians, near the border with Austria, it was founded in 907 and has been known as a city since 1291, and since 1541 it was even the capital of Hungary. The city is quite small in size, so all the main attractions are located compactly and can be explored even on foot. The most interesting are the Old Radnica (Old Town Hall, XIII century), the Primate's Palace (1778-1781) with the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Fountain of St. George, the coronation site of many Hungarian monarchs - St. Martin's Cathedral (XIV-XV centuries), the Reduta Palace (1914, now the Bratislava Concert Hall is located here), the Grassalkovich Palace (1760), the Main Square ("Glavni Namestie") with the Roland Fountain (1572), the Franciscan Church (1297) opposite the Mirbach Palace ( 1770), Church of the Holy Trinity (1725), the former building of the Hungarian Parliament - Royal Chambers (1756), Bratislava Royal Castle (Bratislava Castle, IX-XIX centuries), Presidential Palace (XVII century), Segner's mansion (17th century), the most colorful streets of Zamoska, Zizkova, Kapitulska, Klariska, Laurinska and Panska, the building of the Slovak National Theater (1886), Janka Kral's garden, etc.

Nitra- the center of the principality of the same name - was an old Slavic fortified settlement. City attractions: Castle complex, monastery, Franciscan church, Palace (1779), Column (1739) and the Abbey Library, housed in the Old Seminary of the 18th century.

Thermal water park in the High Tatras was opened in July 2004. There are 3 outdoor swimming pools, one Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool and one relaxation pool. The pools are equipped with water attractions: beaded seats and beds, geyser, water mushroom, water whirlwinds, massage jets, swinging bell, etc. The water temperature ranges from 28°C - 36°C. A variety of traditional as well as modern spa treatments are offered, relaxation in water caves, rooms with steam, snow, saunas and solariums.

The entrance to the Cave of Dead Bats is located in the central part of the Low Tatras ridge in the Dymbier high-mountain karst at an altitude of 1750 m. Compared to other caves, it is practically unaffected by human and technological intervention. Most noteworthy, of course, is the presence of a huge number of bat bones, which are approximately 6,000 years old. The temperature of the cave does not exceed +3.6 °C.

Resorts

In terms of the number of thermal springs, the country is one of the richest in Europe; the quality of mineral waters here is also high. Hydropathic baths are scattered throughout the country, most of them are located near the mountains - Smrdaky, Piestany, Sliac, Trencianske Teplice, Dudince, Rajecke Teplice, Turcianske Teplice, Ruzbachy, Bardeevke Kupel, Czyz, Sklene Teplice, Lucivna, Nimnica, Lubochnia. Respiratory treatment centers are located in the High Tatras (Strebske Pleso), these resorts specialize in the treatment of allergic and asmatic diseases. One important detail: the staff at the resorts understand Russian, in principle our languages ​​are similar... So you won’t have to feel a strong language barrier. As for medical procedures in sanatoriums in Slovakia, if you start listing them, you will get a rather impressive list. These include therapeutic thermal baths, baths with sulfur-containing mud, underwater massage, hydroturbulence baths, Charcot showers, jacuzzi, magnetic resonance therapy, pearl baths, iodine-salt caves. I would especially like to note the Slovak resort of Piestany, which specializes in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system; treatment here can be quite effective and improve your health.

High Tatras: In the High Tatras there is a National Park with more than 300 peaks and mountain lakes. 26 peaks rise to a height of 2500 m above sea level. Among the resorts in the High Tatras, the most famous are Strbske Pleso (the highest mountain resort in Slovakia), Tatranská Lomnica (the best selection of pistes), Smokovec (a small and inexpensive resort) and Podbanske (a variety of pistes). The High Tatras are great for a relaxing family holiday with children.

One of the most environmentally friendly corners of Europe is considered Low Tatras, the territory of which is almost entirely a national park. Despite the lower altitudes, there is always a lot of snow in the Low Tatras. The resorts have over 20 km of prepared trails and developed tourist infrastructure.

"Pearl on the Danube" Bratislava- capital of Slovakia. The ancient architecture of Baroque palaces, fortresses, the silence of parks and gardens, in the picturesque streets of the old city you can feel the breath of history - this special atmosphere of mixing quiet antiquity and modern bustling life perfectly characterizes the youngest capital of Europe. Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia, picturesquely located on the spurs of the Carpathian Mountains and on the banks of the majestic Danube. The capital is located in the heart of Europe - only 16 km separate Bratislava from the Austrian border, 50 km from Vienna and 160 km from Budapest. The history of the city goes back more than a thousand years. It arose in 907 as a stone fortress on the Danube at an important crossroads of trade routes.

Vysne Ruzbachy- the resort is located 390 km from Bratislava, at an altitude of 623 m above sea level, on the south-eastern slopes of the Spisska Magura mountain range, near the Polish border. The basis of treatment is a natural source of low-mineralized hydrogen carbonate calcium-magnesium hypotonic carbon dioxide water with a temperature of 21C. In total, the resort has 14 mineral springs from 20 to 24C.

This is an ancient resort with clean air, magnificent nature, silence, healing springs with exceptional properties. Bicarbonate-sulfate, calcium-magnesium bicarbonate healing springs and a favorable climate make it possible to treat oncological diseases, diseases of the circulatory system, non-tuberculous diseases of the respiratory tract, musculoskeletal system, menopausal syndrome and some occupational diseases. Therapeutic procedures - hydrotherapy (including hyperthermal pool 36C), physiotherapy, electrotherapy, physical therapy, paraffin therapy, gas injections, etc.

The beneficial effects of the healing waters of the Rajecke Teplice spa have been known since the 14th century. Acrotherm type springs /hot springs/ with a thermal water temperature of 38C are used in the balneological center in the Resort Center for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints, spine, nervous diseases, non-tuberculous respiratory diseases and occupational diseases

Bardejovsky resort is located in the north-eastern part of Slovakia, near the historically significant medieval town of Bardejov, which lies on the southern slopes of the Low Beskids (Carpathian system), at an altitude of 325 meters above sea level. The real wealth of the resort are rare natural healing waters such as alkaline-salty ferrous acidic waters, which in their balneological riches reach the quality of world-class mineral waters of this type and are among the most famous in Europe. Indications for the resort: diseases of the digestive and gastrointestinal tract, nonspecific respiratory diseases.

Luchki Resort lies in the central region of Slovakia in the mountainous region, on the southern slopes of the Low Tatras, at an altitude of 621 meters above sea level. The resort's profile is gynecological. The main resort healing factor is natural mineral waters with a temperature of 32-33 degrees. Celsius, low-mineralized, sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-magnesium, as well as silt mud.

The most popular souvenirs among tourists are ceramics, wooden figurines, toys and dishes, as well as ancient folk musical instruments of the Slovak people.

Among the Slovak souvenirs, there is a “chrpak”, a special wooden mug decorated with carvings and national ornaments, which was once used for the first sample of sheep’s milk. In the mountainous regions of the country, the most useful souvenir is the “valashka”, a kind of hatchet-staff that makes it easier to move along mountain paths. And the unique Slovak “fujara” (wind instrument) was even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A large selection of Slovak souvenirs is presented in the ULUV chain of stores located in the most important tourist cities of Slovakia.

Antique shops in Slovakia (Starozitnosti) will delight their customers with a large selection of beautiful furniture, antique jewelry, paintings and all sorts of interesting trinkets.

An excellent gift brought from Slovakia would be a bottle of delicious wine produced at a small winery, or local brandy of the brands Hradne Brandy, Old Herold Vinjak, Karpatske Brandy O.X. and etc.

Transport

The largest airport in Slovakia is located in Bratislava (Bratislava Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport), from which there are regular flights to most European capitals (Paris, London, Rome, Copenhagen, Prague, Moscow, etc.), other major cities (Milan, Antalya, Barcelona, ​​Kurgada, etc.). There is one domestic flight Bratislava – Kosice costing 40–60 €.

The country has very well developed railway transport; in addition to international trains, there are many high-speed trains running to neighboring countries (Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic).

Bus transport is used, as a rule, for traveling short distances. The cost of 50 km of travel is approximately 1 €.

When traveling around Slovakia with your own vehicle, you must comply with pan-European traffic rules, including speed limits (no more than 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside populated areas and 130 km/h on motorways), constant use of low beams in any time of day and any weather conditions. There are large fines for violating traffic rules in the country, for example, 1000 € for drunk driving.

City transport is represented by buses, trams and trolleybuses. Travel tickets can be purchased at bus stops (orange machines) and from drivers. The cost of the trip depends on the travel time (the schedule is published at the stops). There are taxis in every city in Slovakia; they are not expensive, but due to the short distances they are not popular among tourists.

Connection

Mobile communications in Slovakia are provided by 3 operators: T-Mobile, Orange, Telefonica O2. All mobile operators also offer the service of connecting to the Internet via a mobile phone or via a 3G modem (from 8 € per 1 MB of traffic). The cost of a 3G modem is about 50 €, and the modem is passwordless, i.e. it can be used to access the Internet from SIM cards of other operators. Free Wi-Fi is provided by most hotels, guest houses and hostels.

To make calls abroad, you can use a pay phone by purchasing a card at a newsstand or post office.

Safety

Due to the absence of religious, territorial and national conflicts, Slovakia is considered a quiet and peaceful country, but basic precautions should always and everywhere be observed on the roads, in very crowded places and at night. In city transport, pickpocketing is rare, but possible. At ski resorts, you need to be careful about the safety of your sports equipment, especially expensive models.

There is a paid mountain rescue service in the mountains.

Upon request of the police, the foreigner must present an identification document and health insurance.

Business climate

According to World Bank research, registration of a foreign company in Slovakia consists of 8 procedures and lasts 18 days, which is much simpler and faster than in other EU countries.

Enterprises operating in Slovakia are required to pay net profit tax (19%), value added tax (20%), as well as taxes on income from dividends (15%), rent (25%), royalties (25%) .

Tourism is considered the most profitable area of ​​business in Slovakia.

Real estate

In Slovakia there are no restrictions for foreigners buying residential or commercial property, the purchase of which automatically acquires land ownership. Company registration is also not required when purchasing real estate by foreign investors.

The cost of real estate in the major cities of Slovakia and the High Tatras is comparable to the cost of real estate in the best Mediterranean resorts. The high cost is explained by the economic prospects, safety and environmental situation in the country. For 1 m2 in Bratislava today on average you will have to pay about 1700 €, in Kosice - 950 €, in Presov - 800 €, etc. The monthly rent of a one-room apartment in Bratislava will be from 350 to 500 €, in Kosice - from 300 to 450 €.

Property owners in Slovakia pay a property tax, the rate of which differs in different regions of the country, on average it is 0.2 € per 1 m2. When selling or renting out real estate, you must pay income tax (19%).

When planning a trip or excursion to the national parks of Slovakia, you should always think about where to stay overnight in advance, since the number of hotels and campsites here is very limited, and setting up a tent camp on your own is strictly prohibited.

At ski resorts, it is more profitable to use the lifts with special weekly ski-pass tickets (approximately 2 €).

It is usually more profitable to exchange currency in banks rather than in exchange offices.

You should not plan your trip to Slovakia in July-August, as at this time the resorts will be crowded with Slovaks themselves who have come on vacation from their cities, and problems with accommodation may arise. The optimal time of year for traveling around Slovakia (except for ski resorts) is considered to be the second half of spring, the beginning of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Visa information

Visiting Slovakia is possible with a Schengen visa. A visa is issued upon presentation of a number of documents: a passport valid for more than 3 months from the date of expiration of the visa, with two or more blank pages, a standard application form, 2 color photographs, a document confirming the applicant’s solvency (minimum 56 € per day), international insurance sample, etc.

A visa is issued within approximately 10 days upon payment of a consular fee of 35 €, within 3 days - 70 €. When submitting documents, the person receiving the visa must be present in person.

Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Moscow - st. Yu. Fuchika, 17/19, tel. 956-49-23.

Economy

Slovakia has overcome much of the difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The country's government made significant progress in macroeconomic stabilization and structural reforms in 2001. Privatization has largely been completed, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands, and foreign investment is growing. The Slovak economy has exceeded expectations of the early 2000s, with the exception of a decline in exports. A rebound in domestic demand in 2002, thanks in part to rising incomes, offset slowing export growth, helping the economy move toward its strongest growth since 1998. Unemployment, which reached 19.8% at the end of 2001, fell significantly by 2003.

According to a study by the German Chamber of Commerce conducted in March 2004, about half of German investors consider Slovakia as the best place to invest.

Policy

The head of state in Slovakia is the president, elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term. Most executive power is vested in the head of government, the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the party or coalition that wins the majority in parliamentary elections and is appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.

The highest legislative body of Slovakia is the 150-seat unicameral People's Rada of the Slovak Republic (Národná Rada Slovenskej Republiky). Delegates are elected for a 4-year term on the basis of proportional representation.

Parliament can dismiss the president if three-fifths of the total number of deputies votes for it. The president can dissolve parliament if he does not approve the government's policy statement three times within a month after the elections.

The highest judicial body is the Constitutional Court (Ústavný súd), which has jurisdiction over constitutional issues. The 13 members of this court are approved by the president from several candidates nominated by parliament.

Story

The first settlements on the territory of modern Slovakia appeared already in the Paleolithic era. This very long era is characterized by alternating glaciations and interglacials. There are traces of various cultures: from Olduvai to Swider. A fragment of the skull of Homo erectus was found in Spišské Podhradie (this part was lost during the Second World War), then the earliest information is that of Heidelberg man. The oldest finds of skeletons are Neanderthals, and the most famous are from the Ganovce site.

The Mesolithic era is characterized by a noticeable retreat of the glacier, the border of which at that time ran along the north of the territory of modern Slovakia. People settled on sandy hills.

There is more information about the Neolithic, when agriculture arose. It is assumed that the people of the Linear Band Ware culture came to the territory of Slovakia around 5000 BC. Remains of settlements, burial grounds (for example, in Nitra and Šturovo), remains of ceramics, votive gifts or cult objects, such as female figurines (“Paleolithic Venuses”) from Nitra Castle or Moravan nad Váhom, have been found. In that era, the culture of linear-band ceramics, the Zhelezovka culture, the Bukovogorsk culture was represented mainly on the territory of Slovakia, and the development of the Lengyel and Polgar cultures began.

The Chalcolithic era is characterized primarily by the beginning of the use of metals (copper and gold; the oldest copper objects found belong to the Neolithic), the division of society into layers (artisans, farmers, cattle breeders, traders) and the beginning of barter trade. Later, agriculture was improved by using animal power (arable tools appeared); The role of men in society has increased (patriarchy). In those days, first of all, the development of the Lengyel and Polgar cultures continued, and later the Baden culture appeared.

In the Bronze Age, characterized by the expansion of the use of bronze, many different archaeological cultures were represented on the territory of Slovakia (Unetice, Magyar, Otoman, single barrow cultures, single urn field cultures, including the Lusatian culture). Bronze sickles and remains of wooden buildings without the use of nails date back to this era.

The Iron Age and its technology came to Slovakia around 800 BC, probably from the Anatolia and/or Italy region. During the Hallstatt era in Slovakia, thanks to favorable climatic conditions, the mining of iron, tin, gold and salt developed. A potter's wheel appeared. Social differentiation continues. At that time, the Hallstatt (namely Kalenderberg) culture, Kushtanovic (Thracians) and Wekertzug (probably Scythians) cultures were represented on the territory of Slovakia; the Lusatian culture still existed in the north. Perhaps the Cimmerians also lived on the territory of Slovakia at that time.

In those days (about the 5th century BC), the Celts came to Slovakia, who can be considered the first known ethnic group on the territory of Slovakia. The Celts came to the Carpathian Basin from the territory of Germany, France and the Alps. Upon arrival, they subjugated the local population. By the end of the La Tène era, they built several fortifications - oppidums, for example, Bratislava. Most of them lived in small fortified structures made of wood and used iron locks. The Celts were skilled artisans - blacksmiths, potters, farmers and traders; they maintained close contacts with the Greek and Roman civilizations, which retained great influence on their culture. At the end of the 2nd century. BC. The Dacians, who lived on the territory of modern Romania, also came to Slovakia. During the time of the first Dacian king Burebista, the Dacians settled and actually annexed the southern part of Slovakia to Dacia, from where they expelled part of the Celts. In 10 BC, however, the Romans defeated the Dacians and extended the borders of the Roman Empire into the Middle Danube. The Romans also founded several settlements in western Slovakia. The Dacian population disappeared from Slovakia around the 1st century. AD, it lingered longest in the east. The liquidation of most of the Celts was completed by the attack of the Germans from the north-west at the beginning of the 1st century. AD However, the Celts remained in the north of Slovakia even until the 2nd century. AD (cats). During the Great Migration in the 4th century, tribes of the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Lombards and Gepids passed through the territory of Slovakia.

In the 5th century the Slavs came here. In the 6th century, the territory fell under the rule of the Avar Khaganate, and in the 7th century the Samo Empire was formed here; a century later, the Nitra Principality arose here, which became part of Great Moravia in 833. In 906, Great Moravia was attacked by Hungarian tribes and Great Moravia gradually disintegrated. In 1018, the gradual annexation of Slovak lands to Hungary began. In 1029, the Principality of Nitra fell and by the end of the century the entire territory was annexed to Hungary.

In 1241, the territory of Slovakia was subjected to a Mongol-Tatar invasion. The Mongol-Tatar invasion weakened the power of the king in the territory of Slovakia and so the territory was ruled by oligarchs like Matus Csak. Only Charles Robert, who defeated the oligarchs in the Battle of Rozganovtsy, was able to strengthen the strong royal power. Charles Robert's son, Louis I the Great, did a lot to strengthen the country and during his reign, Hungary became a strong European power. During the time of Sigismund, Hungary again plunged into a series of battles with the Turks and Hussites. The region most affected by the Hussites was Slovakia, on whose territory in 1467, near Velki Kostolyany, Matthias Hunyadi eventually defeated the Hussite troops of the “brothers”. After the defeat from the Turks near Mohács in 1526 and the death of King Lajos II, most of the territory of Hungary, with the exception of western Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia, became part of the Ottoman Empire, and lands not subject to the Turks, including Slovakia, became part of the possessions of the Austrian Habsburgs.

After the defeat at Mohács in 1526, two kings were crowned on the Hungarian throne at once - the Turkish ally Janos Zapolyai and the Austrian Ferdinand I of Habsburg. A war broke out between the two sides, which ended in peace in Orada in 1538. In 1536, Bratislava became the capital of Hungary, and the Archbishopric of Esztergom was moved to Trnava. At the same time, the Turks also captured southern Slovakia. The 17th century passed under the banner of the struggle of nobles from Slovakia with the Austrian emperor. In 1605, István Bocskai captured almost all of Slovakia, and a truce was signed in 1606. In 1618, Bethlen captured eastern Slovakia, and in 1619, western Slovakia. In 1622, a truce was signed. In 1643-1645, battles took place on the territory of Slovakia between the Habsburg troops and the rebel Ferenc I Rakoczi. In 1678-1687 Slovakia again became the scene of battles, this time with Imre Thököly, and in 1703-1711 the last uprising took place - Ferenc II Rakoczi.

In the 18th century, Slovakia, devastated by the centuries-long war between the nobles and the emperor, began to rebuild. The first manufactories appeared in Shashtin and Golich, and mining began again. The reforms of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II had a positive impact on the economy. At the same time, the Slovak revival began - in 1783, the first book written in Slovak by the priest Ignac Bajza appeared. In 1790 Bernolak compiled the first grammar of the Slovak language. The first awakeners (mainly Lutherans) adhered to the view that Czechs and Slovaks were one people. In 1847, Stuhr codified a version of the Slovak language close to the modern one, which was approved by both camps - both Catholics and Lutherans. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49, the Slovak People's Council called on the Slovaks to take up arms against the Hungarians and support the Austrians. In 1867, the Austrian Empire was transformed into Austria-Hungary and the Slovak lands became part of the Hungarian Transleithania, as a result of which the pressure of the Hungarian authorities on the Slovaks increased. In 1875, the Slovak Matica was dissolved, and later other national organizations. In the 1890s, the concept of Czechoslovakism arose and the Slovaks began to receive help from the Czechs. In 1906, the first Slovak party arose - the moderate-nationalist Hlinka Slovak People's Party. The emergence of Slovak organizations increased pressure from the Hungarians and prompted attempts at increased Hungarianization of the Slovaks, which continued until the collapse of Austria-Hungary in November 1918.

By the beginning of the First World War, Czech and Slovak politicians had developed a fairly clear concept of the future state of the Czechs and Slovaks. This idea was proposed to the Russian Tsar at the beginning of the war and he approved the creation of the Czechoslovak Legions. On the Czech side, the main representatives were Tomas Masaryk and Eduard Beneš, and on the Slovak side, Milan Stefanik. In 1915, Masaryk officially presented the plan for the creation of Czechoslovakia in Geneva. In October of the same year, emigrant organizations of Czechs and Slovaks in Cleveland signed a joint declaration. The final agreement was signed on May 31, 1918 in Pittsburgh. The first provisional government met in Paris. On October 28, 1918, independent Czechoslovakia was proclaimed. On October 30, 1918, the Slovak People's Council in Martin signed a declaration of entry into Czechoslovakia. On November 14, 1918, Tomas Masaryk became president of the Czechoslovakia.

The first Slovak government met in Skalice, then in Žilina. On February 4, 1919, Bratislava became the capital of Slovakia.

The entry of Slovakia into Czechoslovakia had a number of positive factors. Education in the Slovak language was introduced, in 1919 the Comenius University in Bratislava was created, in 1922 compulsory 8-year education, an 8-hour working day were introduced, Slovak political parties and cultural institutions like the Slovak Matica were allowed, in 1926 it was Slovak Radio was founded, citizens over 18 years of age were given the opportunity to vote, and so on. However, the entry also had a number of negative factors. Thus, many enterprises in Slovakia could not withstand competition with Czech enterprises and in Slovakia, especially in the east, unemployment increased, which caused mass emigration to the USA and Canada (104 thousand people emigrated before 1937), the promised autonomy was not granted, and the concept also caused rejection Czechoslovakism, which argued that Czechs and Slovaks are a single people, and their languages ​​are only dialects of the “Czechoslovak language”. This strengthened the position of nationalist parties, in particular Glinka’s People’s Party.

On September 28, 1938, the Munich Agreement of 1938 was signed in Munich; on October 6, 1938, Slovak politicians in Zilina proclaimed the autonomy of Slovakia within Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovakia government was forced to approve this and appointed Josef Tiso as prime minister of the autonomous government. On November 2, 1938, as a result of the Vienna Arbitration, Hungary and the Third Reich tore away its southern part from Slovakia. On March 13, 1939, Hitler, at a meeting with Tiso, invited him to proclaim the independence of Slovakia, otherwise Slovakia would be divided between Poland and Hungary. On March 14, 1939, the First Slovak Republic was proclaimed, and the next day German troops occupied the Czech Republic, Moravia and Czech Silesia.

The First Slovak Republic was a puppet state that was completely dependent on Germany. This fact caused discontent among the Slovaks; on the eastern front, many Slovak soldiers went over to the Soviet side. So on November 30, 1943, 2,000 soldiers crossed over to the Soviet side near Melitopol. As the Red Army approached Slovakia's borders in 1944, the Slovak National Uprising broke out and ended unsuccessfully. On September 21, 1944, the Red Army crossed the border of Slovakia at Medzilaborec. On January 19, 1945, Bratislava was liberated - the First Slovak Republic fell and Slovakia again became part of the Czechoslovakia.

The first elections took place in 1946. In Slovakia, the Democratic Party won them, with the Communist Party in second place. In February 1948, a political crisis erupted, democratic ministers resigned, and President Benes, under pressure from communist demonstrations, created a government dominated by communists. On May 9, 1948, a constitution was adopted and after the death of Benes, Klement Gottwald became president, under which Czechoslovakia became a socialist state.

On January 1, 1969, after the federalization law, Slovakia became a federal republic within Czechoslovakia, which was called the Slovak Socialist Republic.

In 1989, the communist regime fell (see Velvet Revolution), nevertheless, contradictions between the Czech Republic and Slovakia increased in the Czechoslovakia. In the summer of 1992, the leaders of the republics agreed to divide the country.

You, of course, have already realized that Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. But, still, how much do you know about this country?!

Why not go on a not so far journey and have a lot of fun along the way?!

How to get to Slovakia from Moscow

You can get to Slovakia by direct train 15B, which runs every day from Kievsky Station to Bratislava. Travel time is forty-two hours. Residents of Kyiv can also count on this train. In addition to this train, residents of Kyiv have the opportunity to get to the capital of Slovakia by train, which goes to Vienna. This train has been on the road for more than a day.

Slovakia visa for Russians

In order to visit Slovakia, citizens of the Russian Federation, as well as CIS countries, need to obtain a Schengen visa.

Slovakia customs

You can import and export currency in any quantity. When entering representatives of countries that are not members of the EU, an amount exceeding 10,000 EUR must be declared.

To Slovakia you can freely bring with you two hundred cigarettes, one hundred cigarillos, or 50 ordinary cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, two liters of wine, fifty ml of perfume, 250 ml. toilet water, as well as personal items with a total value of no more than 430 EUR. Tobacco products can be brought into the country by citizens who are already 16 years old, and alcoholic products by 18 years old. Various medications and drugs are allowed only in the quantities necessary for personal needs.

The laws of Slovakia strictly prohibit the import and export of various types of explosives, weapons, pornographic products, drugs, things that represent cultural and historical values ​​and do not have documents that can confirm the legality of their acquisition.

European Union countries prohibit the import into their territories of products containing milk or meat. This applies to sausage, canned food, lard and even chocolates. Exceptions are food for children, as well as special medications that are vital for sick people. Such products must be packaged very well. Their weight should not be more than two kilograms. In case of violation, the passenger will be fined and the products will be confiscated.

Slovakia transport

Slovakia is not a very big country, so most transport is done by bus or train. The most important railway line is Kosice - Bratislava, which passes through Spisska Nova Ves, Zilina, Poprad and Trencin. I recommend traveling between cities by train, as it is cheaper than by bus.

Travel within cities occurs by trams, buses and trolleybuses. Fare payments are made using special tickets, which can be purchased from orange machines located at bus stops. These tickets have an expiration date, so I advise you to buy them right before your trip. One ticket - one trip. The cost of such a ticket is 0.3 EUR.

Taxis in this country are quite cheap. They have counters. However, due to the small size of the cities, they did not gain much popularity.

A system of student and youth discounts has been created in Slovakia. In addition, on weekends the cost of traveling by intercity bus is much lower.

Renting a car

You can rent a car in Slovakia if you have a driver’s license, passport and credit card with you. You can pay in cash, but the credit card serves as collateral if the car is not returned. The amount of money paid for renting a car is directly dependent on the day of the week, the make of the car and the rental period. The driver must be over 21 years old and have more than one year of driving experience.

Czech car brands are much cheaper than all others.

Traveler Safety

Do not exchange money on the street; do not leave valuables, cameras and bags in visible places in cars. In addition, it is not recommended to carry a large amount of cash with you, since it can be kept quite safely in a hotel safe. Stay away from "fortune bandits" and other supplicants.

Climate

Continental temperate, there is a pronounced altitudinal zonation. The average temperature in July in flat areas is +19..+21°C, in mountains - +8..+12°C, in January in flat areas +1..+4°C, in mountains - up to -10°C. The coldest month is January, the warmest are July and August. Autumn is usually rainy. It is often windy in the mountains in the winter. The ski season in Slovakia begins in November and ends in March. The best time for treatment, as well as broadening your horizons in Slovakia is May - September. The thermal spas can get quite chilly in the evening, so bring a sweater.

Hotels

There are very few 5* hotels in Slovakia. Most of them are located in Bratislava. Mostly in this country there are “fours” and “threes”. 5*, as a rule, belong to world hotels. Most of the leisure opportunities are located in the hotel.

Exchange offices, banks and tips

The official currency of Slovakia is the EUR.

You can exchange currency at various exchange offices (zmenaren), hotels, transport agencies, banks, and post offices. As a rule, it is much more profitable to exchange at exchange offices than at banks.

Banks are open every day except Sunday. As a rule, exchange offices are open daily, seven days a week.

Almost all banks, many large hotels, gas stations, large stores and restaurants accept credit cards for payment.

The tip is about 10% of the total bill.

The commission can vary greatly even at exchange offices that are located next to each other. Therefore, tourists and travelers need to study the terms of exchange very carefully before making a decision.

Shops and shopping Slovakia

Most shops are open every day except Sunday. On Thursday, shopping centers and large department stores are open more than usual.

In Slovakia you can buy and bring home decorated Easter eggs, figurines made from various grains, ceramics, jugs and figurines made of wood, handmade dolls “supolka”, and the Slovak woodwind instrument “Fujara”. The country has a unified retail chain selling handicrafts - ULUV. There are stores of this chain in almost all big cities. Their prices are fixed.

Cuisine and restaurants

Local cuisine is a combination of national components and features of European schools. The most popular sheep cheeses in Slovakia are parenice and štepki. The hallmark of the cuisine of these places are vegetable soups, broths, as well as meat soups with vegetables, dumplings with cheese, dumplings from cheese, potato dumplings and poultry dishes. Be sure to try Segedin goulash and national cabbage soup. Slovakia also produces wine. The most popular strong alcoholic drinks are “borovichka” and “slivovitz”, as well as various herbal tinctures.

Excursions, activities and attractions

Bratislava Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, where most of the kings were crowned, the ruins of the Devin fortress, the Primatial (Archbishop's) Palace, the Michal Tower, the Grassalkovich Palace, where the world-famous Hall of Mirrors and the Fountain of St. George were located. In addition, the Slovak National Gallery, the Museum of the Old City Hall, the Municipal Museum, the Milan Dobes Museum dedicated to winemaking.

Particular attention should be paid to ancient Slovak castles.

National parks

The country has about nine national parks, as well as 16 natural areas that are strictly protected. The most popular among tourists and travelers are the Tatra National Park, the Pieniny National Park, the Low Tatras National Park, the Slovensky Paradise National Park, and the Mala Fatra National Park. Most parks have ski resorts. Here you can easily combine winter sports and summer recreation.

The High Tatras National Park is considered the most beautiful park in all of Slovakia. More than half of its area is covered with spruce and spruce-fir forests, in which a huge number of lakes are hidden.

Rafting

You can travel along the rivers of this area by boats, kayaks, kayaks and canoes. In the east of Slovakia, the following rivers are considered the most popular: Poprad, Torisa, Gornad, Toplya, Laborec, Ondava, in the center - Hron, Slana, Orava, in the west - Vah, Small Danube, Danube, Nitra.

The wildest Slovak river is the Bela.

Speleology in Slovakia

This country is home to about 4,000 caves of various types: ice, stone and aragonite. The most interesting caves are included in the UNESCO list. These are the Dobshinskaya ice cave, the Domitsa cave, the Yasovskaya and Gombasetskaya caves, and the cave in Okhtina.

Diving

The Senets Lakes, as well as Lake Gulashka, provide excellent conditions for diving. In addition, diving can be done on the Danube Island, the Liptovska Mara reservoir, the Ruzhin and Dedinki dams.

Fishing

Fish from the salmon and carp families are caught in Slovak lakes and rivers. The most popular rivers among fishermen are the following: Danube, Hron, Vah, Turiec, Gornad, Orava, Ondava, Laborets, Latoritsa, Nitra, Dunajec, Ipel

So, albeit briefly, we still talked about the main features of a country little visited by our compatriots.

See you on the pages of the site!!!

Slovakia is a very beautiful small country in the very center of Europe. Slovakia is the heart of Europe, a land of hillocks and hills, a state washed by the majestic Danube with its own waters. The main part of the country's terrain is located at an altitude of more than 750 meters above sea level, and in its very center there is a magnificent mountain range - the Tatras. Its landscape varies strikingly from lowlands to mountain ranges. Almost half of the country is occupied by the Carpathian Arc - a chain of mountains running in the north. Other mountains include the Little Carpathians, White Carpathians, High Tatras, Low Tatras and Slovenske Rudohorie Mountains.

Despite more than 70 years of shared statehood with the Czech Republic, not to mention centuries lived under the rule of the Kingdom of Hungary and the Habsburgs, Slovakia has developed its own, distinctive image. The country's culture is extremely rich and full of folk traditions, and Slovaks have a strong sense of national identity.

In the 9th century, the Slovaks and Czechs were part of the Great Moravian Empire; a century later, Slovakia was conquered by the Hungarians and remained under their rule until 1918. But the Hungarians were not the only people who influenced the country over this huge period of time. After the Mongol-Tatar invasion in the 13th century, the time came for German colonization, and in the 15th and 16th centuries, Romanian shepherds migrated from Wallachia to Slovakia. The interaction of these different ethnic groups and the local population has only enriched the culture of the Slovaks. This country has real spiritual wealth, because... folk traditions successfully survived foreign domination. The abundance of castles and palaces and ruins illustrate a history of hidden wars and civil conflicts, but the Slovak people have retained their hospitable character intact.

The small country of Slovakia, although not noticeable on the map, is actually an unexplored world full of amazing discoveries. Holidays in Slovakia will not allow guests of the country to sit within the walls of hotels; the restlessness of mountain slopes, flights over valleys, and the slow magical waters of the Danube will confidently attract them. You will have to take many impressions home, and they will be provided with a wonderful holiday in Slovakia.

Holidays in Slovakia mean magnificent ski slopes that attract a huge number of active ski holiday enthusiasts. The ski season lasts from November to March. And from May to September, lovers of architectural monuments and recreation in the lap of nature come to the country. They say that holidays in Slovakia are full of amazing discoveries, even when you are visiting the country not for the first time. And it is impossible to list all the architectural monuments that tell the history of the country better than any words. And each of them is a real masterpiece.

In summer, a vacation in Slovakia is unthinkable without visiting numerous reservoirs, crystal clear mountain rivers and waterfalls. There are more than 200 tourist centers in Slovakia, where all conditions for active recreation and sports are created. Those who prefer a holiday in Slovakia will certainly enjoy local entertainment: air flights over the Tatras, horse riding, rafting and catamarans, paragliding, mountaineering, water sports, and, of course, fishing.

Slovakia is famous for its mountain peaks, plains, famous throughout Europe, unusually clean air and healing springs, ice caves and geysers, comfortable hotels and cozy boarding houses. Slovakia can offer its guests favorable conditions for summer and winter holidays, unique cultural and historical monuments, interesting fortresses, castles, manors, unique folk architecture, as well as folk art and folklore.

In general, the natural beauty of Slovakia lingers in the soul for a long time. One of the most popular destinations in the country is the High Tatras - the most compact mountains of the Alpine type, located on the northern border of Slovakia. The High Tatras primarily attract lovers of an active lifestyle - hikers and ski enthusiasts. Among other things, the mountain climate gives visitors new strength and energy, especially those who go to one of the many spa resorts in these places.

Winter sports are very widely developed here. According to many experts, Slovakia has created the best conditions for skiing in Eastern Europe. At the same time, prices in Slovakia are quite moderate, so the ski resorts of Slovakia have long been chosen by Russian alpine skiing enthusiasts.

Resorts in Slovakia will allow you not only to have a great time, but also to improve your health. A huge number of thermal resorts, healing springs, natural mineral waters and climatic resorts will have a healing effect on the entire body.

For example, the Bardejovske kupele resort, founded in the thirteenth century, helps to cure stomach upsets and breathing problems with its healing waters. The well-known Dudins spring has a beneficial effect on the treatment of internal organs, vascular and neurological diseases due to the mineral composition of its waters.

In the picturesque valley of the Váh River, just 80 km from Bratislava, lies the peaceful spa resort of Piestany, founded back in 1889. Many types of treatments are based on the excellent therapeutic effect of thermal springs and mud, which is especially beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. In addition, Piestany offers excellent parks and sports opportunities. A music festival is held here in the summer and entertainment events are organized throughout the year. Foot treatment is best done in Trenciansk.

Slovakia provides holidays for the whole family. Each of its members will be satisfied with the trip and will take something away for themselves. A family visit to historical places will unite and strengthen relationships, and the knowledge of the new and unknown will be remembered for a long time by each of those who arrived in this country. Today, holidays in Slovakia, the prices of which are not exorbitant, but remain as affordable as before the economic crisis, even large families can afford.

A holiday in Slovakia should definitely be combined with a visit to the city of Nitra. Previously, it was the center of the principality, where Slavic settlements took refuge. Its attractions are the Franciscan Church, the Castle Complex, the 18th-century Library of the Abbey of the Old Seminary, the monastery, the Column and the Palace.

This country is also famous for its Gothic buildings. There are many such structures in the city of Kosice, which is located in eastern Slovakia. The main attraction is St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

The city of Poprad, where the airport and train station are located, is the transport gateway to the mountains, and is also home to Aquacity, a water park and wellness center built near a huge geothermal lake.

The name of one of the most beautiful regions of the country “Slovenian Paradise” (Slovensky raj) speaks for itself. This national park is truly a paradise. The relatively small area is rich in diverse landscape: here you will see lowlands, ravines, narrow gorges, canyons, plateaus, caves and waterfalls. The most significant cave system here is Stratena jaskyna, containing in particular the Dobsinska Ice Cave.

The country's capital, Bratislava, has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years. This was partly due to the restoration of the old city center, full of picturesque streets, Gothic churches and historical monuments. Almost the entire old city is now closed to car traffic, which makes walking around it even more enjoyable. At the same time, Bratislava is a rapidly developing political and business center of the country. The second largest city in Slovakia, Kosice is a center of heavy industry, but it is also rich in architectural monuments and cultural diversity.

It is also worth visiting the oldest region of Slovakia - Spiš, which is not inferior to others in beauty and splendor. The ancient castles of these places stood guard over trade routes. The most significant of them is Spišský Hrad, whose Romanesque and Gothic architecture has remained virtually unchanged.

Guests of the country are surprised not only by the beauty of local attractions, but also by the unique local cuisine. When going to a restaurant, you should definitely try some of the national dishes and wines.

Slovenska republika

St. Elizabeth's Cathedral located in the city of Kosice, on the central square. This is the largest temple in the country, its length is more than 60 meters, its width is about 40 meters, the northern tower of the church rises at a height of almost 60 meters. The jewel of the temple is the main altar of St. Elizabeth, which was built at the end of the 15th century and contains a large collection of European Gothic altar paintings. Among the liturgical instruments there are works from the 18th century, they were made by the blacksmith Szhilassi.

Baroque Marian Column, or “plague pillar”, was erected in 1750 by Bishop Esterhazy in memory of those who died during the plague epidemic between 1710 and 1739. This column is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Holy Trinity Square, founded in the 16th century, represents the “heart” of Banska Stiavnica. Its shape is determined by the city hall and the Church of St. Catherine. Luxurious mansions rise around the square; in the center there is a column dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It depicts the figures of the seven holy defenders of the city, as well as the patron saints of miners.

1. Currency exchange in Slovakia should be carried out in banks and official points; large amounts are best kept in a hotel safe.

2. If you use taxi services, check immediately whether the meter is turned on, or ask for a receipt.

3. In hotels, information centers and banks it is better to speak English or German; Italian and French are less common.

4. Before long excursions, find out if overnight accommodation is provided. There is a shortage of hotels and campsites in the country’s national parks, and pitching a tent yourself is prohibited, so it’s better to worry about overnight accommodations in advance.